Storage device for a magazine of a weapon

ABSTRACT

A magazine storage device for releasably storing a magazine of a weapon is provided. The magazine storage device is configured to engage a notch commonly found on a magazine to positively lock the magazine in place. The magazine is releasably retained by the magazine storage device such that the magazine cannot be removed without releasing the lock of the magazine storage device. The magazine storage device prevents an unintended release or loss of a magazine while still allowing the magazine to be quickly released via the operation of the magazine storage device. The magazine storage device also facilitates proper indexing by the user and rapid replacement of spent magazines.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a nonprovisional patent application, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/586,685, filed Nov. 15, 2017, the text and drawings of which are hereby incorporated in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein generally relate to a storage device for ammunition of a weapon and, more particularly, to a storage device for a magazine of a weapon.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

A magazine of a weapon is a device for storing and feeding ammunition to the weapon, and the magazine is generally detachable and replaceable. Replacement magazines are often carried by the user as part of a holster or belt so that the magazine may be kept close to the user for replacement of spent magazines. Police officers and armed forces personnel may carry several magazines to facilitate the quick discharge of several rounds of ammunition.

Many storage devices for magazines, e.g., magazine pouches, are available, with varying degrees of accessibility and portability of the magazine between the different storage devices. Some magazine pouches include a cover that folds over the stored magazine, with certain pouches including a snap or hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro®) closure to secure the cover and retain the magazine in place. These pouch and cover systems and other similar systems for storing magazines restrict the user's accessibility to the magazine and increase the time required to replace a spent magazine. Other storage devices rely on friction or tension screws to retain the magazine, and these devices are susceptible to wear and break-down of the friction hold or tension screws. While such devices are useful for their intended purposes when used properly, these devices are not necessarily practical in applications requiring the ability to quickly and efficiently replace the magazine of a weapon.

When an individual carrying a weapon needs to quickly replace a spent magazine, it is important that the magazine be easily accessible and allow for proper indexing or positioning of the individual's finger or thumb to accurately and efficiently feed the magazine into the weapon. Therefore, an effective storage device for a magazine would allow an individual to quickly and efficiently release a magazine and load it into a weapon for nearly continuous firing. This device would also provide for secure storage of the magazine that remains consistent over many uses. Such device would also ideally be easily cantable to facilitate optimal alignment for removing the magazine and proper indexing.

Known methods and devices for storing a magazine of a weapon can be cumbersome if quick reload of a magazine is warranted. Therefore, a need exists for an easy to operate and unobtrusive storage device for a magazine of a weapon that still provides secure storage for the magazine. A need further remains for a storage device for a magazine that facilitates proper indexing and efficient replacement of a spent magazine. This storage device would ideally be cantable to allow for the most efficient configuration for the application.

The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a magazine storage device for releasably storing a magazine of a weapon is provided. The magazine storage device is configured to engage a notch commonly found on a magazine to positively lock the magazine in place. The positive lock of the magazine storage device operates similarly to the magazine catch of a weapon that engages the notch on a magazine to secure the magazine in the magazine well. The magazine is releasably retained by the magazine storage device such that the magazine cannot be removed without releasing the lock of the magazine storage device. The magazine storage device prevents an unintended release or loss of a magazine while still allowing the magazine to be quickly released via the operation of the magazine storage device.

In one embodiment, the magazine storage device is constructed of a firm and highly durable material such that the magazine storage device and locking mechanism can withstand frequent use. In another embodiment, the magazine storage device is formed from a plastic material that is moldable when heated and then hardens to a rigid and highly durable material. In another embodiment the plastic material is Kydex® synthetic resinous material. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that other materials could be used to form the magazine storage device.

In one embodiment, the magazine storage device is comprised of a rear wall, front wall, two side walls, and a base. In another embodiment, the front wall and two side walls are constructed of a continuous u-shaped molded material. In a further embodiment the rear wall and base are constructed of a continuous molded material. In one embodiment, the two side walls have flanges that extend from substantially 30 degrees to substantially 90 degrees from the sidewalls at the open end of the u-shaped molded material. The flanges can be used to secure the u-shaped front wall and two side walls to the rear wall of the magazine storage device. The configuration of the magazine storage device is such that the magazine is retained internal to the device while still exposing at least fifty percent of the magazine in some embodiments. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the magazine storage device may be molded to fit several different kinds of magazines.

In one embodiment, the magazine storage device can be installed on a belt of an individual. In another embodiment, the exterior of the rear wall of the magazine storage device is adjacent to the belt of a user when the magazine storage device is installed. The magazine storage device may be cantable so that the magazine can be optimally aligned for easily and quickly removing the magazine. In a further embodiment, a plurality of magazine storage devices may be installed to provide increased ammunition capacity for the individual. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the magazine storage device may be installed on several different gun belts or holsters and in several different configurations.

In one embodiment, the magazine storage device comprises a release that may be engaged to free the magazine and allow for removal of the magazine from the magazine storage device. The release comprises at least one catch that engages the notch of the magazine upon insertion of the magazine into the magazine storage device. The catch of the release may be aligned with an opening in the device. In another embodiment, the catch and opening are configured to align with the notch of a magazine when the magazine is fully inserted in the magazine storage device such that the catch is sized to extend through the opening and partially into the interior of the magazine storage device to engage the notch of the magazine and positively lock the magazine in place.

In an embodiment, the release comprises a tab that may partially extend over the front wall of the magazine storage device such that the tab is external to the front wall. The tab may be attached to the magazine storage device by a hinge. In another embodiment, the tab and release can be engaged by pressing the tab towards the front wall of the magazine storage device to remove the catch from the notch of the magazine and allow for removal of the magazine. In another embodiment, the magazine may be removed from the magazine storage device by one hand. The configuration of the release of the magazine storage device is such that it may be easily and quickly removed from its storage location and also provides for proper indexing of the individual's finger or thumb.

Other embodiments are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front-side perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front-bottom perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side-front perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top-front perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front-side perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted and connected to a holster in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted and connected to a holster in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side-front perspective view of a magazine storage device with a magazine inserted and connected to a holster in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a disassembled magazine storage device in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

With reference to FIGS. 1-9, one embodiment of a magazine storage device 10 is shown. FIGS. 1-8 show the magazine storage device 10 with a magazine 11 inserted into the device. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the magazine storage device 10 can be molded to fit the configuration of a magazine of any particular weapon.

The magazine storage device 10 comprises a rear wall 12, front wall 14, side walls 16, base 18, and flanges 20. In one embodiment, the magazine storage device 10 can be formed from a plastic material such as Kydex® resinous material that is moldable when heated and then hardens to a rigid and highly durable material. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that other materials can be used to make the magazine storage device 10.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 shows that the front wall 14 and side walls 16 form a continuous u-shaped structure in some embodiments. The side walls 16 may have flanges 20 that extend from substantially 30 degrees to substantially 90 degrees from the sidewalls at the open end of the u-shaped structure. The rear wall 12 and base 18 are constructed of a continuous molded material in some embodiments. The flanges 20 can be used to secure the side walls 16 to the rear wall 12 such that the rear wall 12, front wall 14, side walls 16, and base 18 are orientated with substantially parallel side walls 16 and substantially parallel rear wall 12 and front wall 14 to provide a vessel for receiving a magazine internal thereto.

Attached to the exterior of each side wall 16 are extensions 22 that extend from the sidewall at a point near the flange 20, extend beyond the front wall 14 and loop around and back to the flange 20 such that the extensions 22 create a borehole 24 at the front of the magazine storage device 10. At least one borehole 24 of an extension 22 is constructed such that a middle portion of the borehole 24 is removed creating a top portion 26 and a bottom portion 28 of the borehole 24. In another embodiment, the front wall 14, side walls 16, and molded extensions 22 with boreholes 24 are of unitary construction.

FIGS. 6-8 depict an embodiment of the magazine storage device 10 installed on a belt (or other piece of clothing) of a user. In this embodiment, the exterior of the rear wall 12 of the magazine storage device 10 is rotatably coupled to mount 25 that is constructed and arranged to be secured to the belt (or other piece of clothing) of the user. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, rotatable coupling of the magazine storage device 10 to the mount 25 allows the magazine storage device 10 to be cantable with respect to an axis of the belt so that the magazine can be optimally aligned for easily and quickly removing the magazine and for optimal indexing.

With reference to FIG. 9, the magazine storage device 10 comprises a release 30 that may be engaged to free the magazine and allow for removal of the magazine from the magazine storage device 10. The release 30 comprises at least one catch 32 and a borehole 34. The release 30 can be attached to the magazine storage device 10 by inserting the borehole 34 between the top portion 26 and bottom portion 28 of the borehole 24 such that a pin 36 may be inserted through the borehole 24 and the borehole 34 to movably hold the release 30 in place.

The at least one catch 32 engages a notch (not shown) formed into the magazine 11 upon insertion of the magazine 11 into the magazine storage device 10. The notch is commonly found on a magazine 11 and enables the magazine 11 to be positively locked in place. The positive lock of the magazine storage device 10 operates similarly to the magazine catch of a weapon that engages the notch on a magazine to secure the magazine in the magazine well of the weapon. The at least one catch 32 of the release 30 is aligned with an opening 40 in the magazine storage device 10. The catch 32 and opening 40 are configured to align with the notch of a magazine 11 when the magazine 11 is fully inserted into the magazine storage device 10 such that the catch 32 is sized to extend through the opening 40 and partially into the interior of the magazine storage device 10 to engage the notch of the magazine 11 and positively lock the magazine 11 in place.

The release 30 further comprises a tab 38 that may partially extend over the front wall 14 of the magazine storage device 10 such that the tab 38 is external to the front wall 14. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-9, the release 30 may be engaged by pressing the tab 38 towards the front wall 14 of the magazine storage device 10, which rotates the borehole 34 around the pin 36 to remove the catch 32 from the notch of the magazine 11 and allow for removal of the magazine 11. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the tab 38 of release 30 may be configured in many different ways such that the tab 38 may, for example, extend over the side walls 16.

The embodiments described herein provide for quick removal of the magazine while simultaneously facilitating proper indexing for efficient reload of a weapon. The configuration of the magazine storage device 10 is such that the user's hand and index finger or thumb is in the proper position by the act of withdrawing the magazine 11 from the device 10. The combination of the at least fifty percent exposure of the magazine when placed in the magazine storage device 10 and the need to place the user's finger on the tab 38 of the release 30 in order to remove the magazine 11 from the magazine storage device 10 results in the user holding the magazine 11 upon removal with the proper amount of the magazine extending beyond the user's hand for insertion into the weapon. Additionally, the user's index finger or thumb is automatically placed in the proper orientation for guiding the magazine 11 into the weapon.

The embodiments described herein provide an easy to operate and unobtrusive storage device for a magazine 11 of a weapon that still provides secure storage by positively locking the magazine 11 in place. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein provide a storage device 10 for a magazine 11 that facilitates proper indexing and efficient replacement of a spent magazine 11. The magazine storage device 10 is also cantable with respect to its mount to allow for an efficient configuration for the application, the user, and to facilitate proper indexing and quick release and replacement of a magazine.

While the embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the embodiments are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed:
 1. A storage device for a magazine of a weapon, the storage device comprising: a rear wall; a front wall comprising an opening formed therethrough; a first side wall extending from the rear wall to the front wall; a second side wall extending from the rear wall to the front wall; a base coupled to the rear wall, front wall, first side wall and second side wall, such that the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, second side wall and base are configured to form a space for receiving a portion of a weapon magazine; and a release disposed adjacent the front wall, wherein the release is pivotable from a first position to a second position, and further wherein the release comprises a catch that extends through the opening; wherein when the release is in the first position, the space and the catch are constructed and arranged such that the catch engages a notch in the weapon magazine when the weapon magazine is inserted into the space, thereby preventing withdrawal of the weapon magazine from the space; and wherein when the release is in the second position, the catch is moved such that it no longer engages the notch in the weapon magazine, thereby allowing withdrawal of the weapon magazine from the space. 